Example 17 - Find |a - b|, if |a| = 2|b| = 3 and a.b = 4

Example 17 - Chapter 10 Class 12 Vector Algebra - Part 2

Remove Ads Take short quiz All Quiz and Worksheets
Teachoo · Class 12 Explore Class 12

Transcript

Example 17 Find |𝑎 ⃗ − 𝑏 ⃗| , if two vectors a and b are such that |𝑎 ⃗| = 2, |𝑏 ⃗| = 3 and 𝑎 ⃗ ⋅ 𝑏 ⃗ = 4. Given, |𝒂 ⃗ | = 2 , |𝒃 ⃗ | = 2 & 𝒂 ⃗. 𝒃 ⃗ = 4 We need to find |𝑎 ⃗−𝑏 ⃗ | Taking square, |𝒂 ⃗−𝒃 ⃗ |2 = (𝒂 ⃗−𝒃 ⃗). (𝒂 ⃗−𝒃 ⃗) = 𝑎 ⃗ . 𝑎 ⃗ − 𝑎 ⃗ . 𝑏 ⃗ − 𝒃 ⃗. 𝒂 ⃗ + 𝑏 ⃗ . 𝑏 ⃗ = 𝑎 ⃗ . 𝑎 ⃗ − 𝑎 ⃗ . 𝑏 ⃗ − 𝒂 ⃗ . 𝒃 ⃗ + 𝑏 ⃗ . 𝑏 ⃗ = 𝒂 ⃗. 𝒂 ⃗ − 2𝑎 ⃗ . 𝑏 ⃗ + 𝒃 ⃗. 𝒃 ⃗ = |𝒂 ⃗ |2 − 2𝑎 ⃗. 𝑏 ⃗ + |𝒃 ⃗ |2 = 22 – 2 × 4 + 32 = 4 − 8 + 9 = 5 Thus, |𝒂 ⃗−𝒃 ⃗ |2 = 5 |𝑎 ⃗−𝑏 ⃗ | = ± √5 Since magnitude is not negative, So, |𝒂 ⃗−𝒃 ⃗ | = √𝟓

Davneet Singh's photo - Co-founder, Teachoo

Made by

Davneet Singh

Davneet Singh is an IIT Kanpur graduate and has been teaching for 16+ years. At Teachoo, he breaks down Maths, Science and Computer Science into simple steps so students understand concepts deeply and score with confidence.

Many students prefer Teachoo Black for a smooth, ad-free learning experience.